Hand-Carved Suar Wood Falcon Sculpture from Bali, "Calm Falcon"

"I was born in a village well known for many types of woodwork. I studied and practiced wood carving ever since secondary school, under the guidance of my uncle. He taught me how to carve, sand, finish, and generally convey an animal's anatomy, movement and profile.

"My favorite themes are the eagle and owl, predators with sharp eyes able to see their prey from distant places. It's a pleasure to be able to preserve such a rare animal in the form of a carving. Animal sculptures are a great alternative, rather than endangering an animal's life by locking it up in a cage.

"I have an unforgettable experience of my first trip abroad. In 1995, a kind person from California invited me to go to San Francisco for a craftsman comparison study. He prepared everything, including passport, ticket, and other essentials. That was my first flight and I had to go on my own. I was so nervous and could not sleep through 23 hours of flight. I arrived in San Francisco, but after check in I could not find the way out so I asked someone there to help me. 'The way is in this button,' said the man, and soon after he pressed the button a door was opening. The person who invited me to come was waiting with a board reading 'Pak Anom, Welcome to America!'"